ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Arizona Diamondbacks’ roster was a team effort

Sep 5, 2011, 7:15 PM | Updated: 8:15 pm

With the Arizona Diamondbacks likely claiming the NL West title this month, people are starting to ask who deserves the credit for the roster that’s turned a team around in less than a season.

The answer, it turns out, is that due to several changes in the D-backs’ front office, that there are quite a few people who deserve a nod.

According to Ken Rosenthal, four different GMs – Joe Garagiola Jr., Josh Byrnes, Jerry DiPoto and Kevin Towers – all made moves that resulted in the current roster.

Former D-backs’ scouting director and current Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, with help from assistant Kris Kline, signed the likes of Justin Upton and Stephen Drew.

“The team in Arizona now, Kline and I were there putting that together,” Rizzo recently told the Washington Post. “That’s our team.”

Sounds like someone wants a bigger share of the pie.

Ian Kennedy and Chris Young arrived during the Byrnes era, while Kennedy’s fellow ace Daniel Hudson was brought in by DiPoto.

Current D-backs GM Towers may have improved the bullpen, but he credits Kirk Gibson with forcing an ailing baseball team to conform to his winning ways.

In short, when it comes time at the end of the month to start shaking hands and popping champagne, expect a lot of people to step forward and ask for a piece of the NL West-winning credit pie.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar, D-backs...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar to have thumb surgery

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar will have surgery on his right thumb after tearing a ligament, GM Mike Hazen said on Wednesday.

15 hours ago

General shot of Chase Field...

Bailey Leasure

What’s new at Chase Field for the 2024 D-backs season?

The Arizona Diamondbacks 2024 season will see the team debut new food items, enhancements to the ballpark and giveaways.

20 hours ago

Bryce Jarvis #40 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws a pitch during the second inning in the game ag...

Vincent DeAngelis

Bryce Jarvis starting season in long reliever role for Diamondbacks

Twenty-six-year-old Bryce Jarvis will start the 2024 season in a long relief role for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

21 hours ago

Jordan Montgomery...

Alex Weiner

Reports: Diamondbacks, LHP Jordan Montgomery agree to terms on contract

The Diamondbacks and big-ticket free agent pitcher Jordan Montgomery agreed to terms on a contract, according to multiple reports on Tuesday. 

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Zac Gallen says Diamondbacks are ready for opponents’ best daily

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the excitement surrounding his second straight Opening Day start for the Snakes, and the overall excitement the team has for the coming season.

2 days ago

Kevin Ginkel...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Kevin Ginkel has no problem if asked to close in Paul Sewald’s absence

Diamondbacks reliever Kevin Ginkel has not been told whether he will step into the closer role with Paul Sewald on the injured list.

2 days ago

Arizona Diamondbacks’ roster was a team effort